Free concert readings of Make Me Bad, a new musical featuring a score by Drew Gasparini ("Smash") and a book by actor-writer Alex Brightman (Wicked), will be offered Jan. 26-27 at Pace University.

Alex Brightman

The work will be presented by Pace University's Pace New Musicals program — which is dedicated to the discovery of new theatre works — and composer-lyricist Ryan Scott Oliver. Readings will be held at Schaeberle Studios Jan. 26 at 2 PM and 4 PM and Jan. 27 at 1 PM and 3 PM.

"What happens when you fall in love with a serial killer?," the musical asks. "The answer is Make Me Bad, a romantic thriller that will have you questioning yourself and your darkness inside."

For a demo from the musical and more about composer Gasparini, read Playbill.com's Contemporary Musical Theatre Songwriters You Should Know. Gasparini's music will be featured on the second season of NBC's "Smash," and his other musicals include Above My Pay Grade, Circles, Inappropriate Stories Told At a Bar and Crazy, Just Like Me.

Brightman, who has also been seen on Broadway in Glory Days and will appear in the Broadway-bound Big Fish, makes his New York City writing debut with Make Me Bad. He is currently writing the book to Circles, his second musical with Gasparini. The Pace program is also presenting staged readings of I Capture the Castle by Marion Adler (lyrics), Peter Foley (music and additional lyrics) and Cara Reichel (book) through Jan. 27. Readings are offered Jan. 24 at 8 PM, Jan. 25 at 8 PM, Jan. 26 at 8 PM, Jan. 27 at 7 PM at the Schaeberle Studio Theatre.

I Capture the Castle is described by the authors as "a musical romance based on the beloved novel by British author Dodie Smith. Set in 1934, the story is told through the journal of teenager Cassandra Mortmain, an aspiring writer who chronicles the adventures of her artistic and impoverished family and her first descent into love."

Other members of the creative team include assistant director Martha Reutlinger, production stage manager Coleman Annison, assistant stage manager Allie Marotta and lighting designer Graham Kindred.

Amy Rogers, associate professor of musical theatre and creator of the BFA Musical Degree program at the Dyson School of Arts & Science at Pace University, and musical director Robert Meffe are collaborating with the authors to develop the new works.

Pace University's Schaeberle Studios is located at 41 Park Row. Tickets are free for Make Me Bad, but only available for Jan. 26 at 4 PM and Jan. 27 at 3 PM. For reservations, email reservations@pace.edu. Tickets for I Capture the Castle are $12 general admission and $6 for students. For reservations, call (212) 346-1352 or email performingarts@pace.edu.